Kenyan lawyers are set to organize nationwide peaceful demonstrations in protest of President William Ruto’s criticism of the judiciary and his declaration to disregard court orders next week.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Eric Theuri announced during a press conference on Wednesday that all advocates and legal practitioners will wear yellow ribbons during the demonstrations to show their support for the judiciary and the rule of law.
“We’re concerned, as LSK, that we begin the year with a dark cloud hovering around the justice system following remarks by the President. Those remarks are a threat to the rule of law; we want the president to retract, or else they will send very bad signals,” he said.
Theuri argued that the president’s attacks on the judiciary, without adhering to established legal procedures, indicate an autocratic style of governance. He called on President Ruto to retract his statements, emphasizing the negative precedent it sets for the country’s rule of law.
“We remind the President that the same courts upheld his election based on impartiality and, at one time, nullified another. The President should refrain from undermining the judiciary,” he stated.
President Ruto has faced criticism for his remarks made in Nyandarua regarding recent judicial rulings. He accused several judicial officers of corruption and claimed they were attempting to hinder his administration from fulfilling promises made to Kenyans. While putting these officers on notice, he also stressed the importance of respecting the independence of the judiciary.
